ENZO MACCARINELLI makes his heavyweight debut tonight after his bid to reclaim the WBO cruiserweight title turned into high farce.

Maccarinelli’s scheduled title fight with Francisco Alvarez was called off yesterday afternoon when the Puerto Rican failed a medical.

That denied Maccarinelli the chance to win back the belt he lost to David Haye in March, but Blackpool heavyweight Matthew Ellis stepped in last night and the Welshman will eventually end his nine-month absence from the ring at the Excel Arena in London.

“I really don’t know what to say, I feel absolutely crushed,” said the 28-year-old Welshman.

“I’ve worked my backside off for eight months and then in the week of the fight I lose not one, but two opponents.

“I want to fight because I need to get into the ring, but it’s crushing knowing that I will end 2008 still being referred to as a ‘former’ world champion.

“It’s days like these that make you appreciate just what a cruel sport boxing can be.”

After a week of many twists and turns, Alvarez needed two attempts to make the 200lb weight limit and was then ruled out because of high blood pressure.

Maccarinelli had been due to meet the undefeated Johnathon Banks. But the American injured his ankle during a training camp in Spain and withdrew on Monday.

A provisional deal was then agreed to bring in English veteran Herbie Hide.

But Hide then withdrew at the last minute, claiming he wanted more time to prepare. And, after more searching, it was announced on Wednesday that Alvarez would take his place.

Now Ellis – who is known as the “Blackpool Rock” – will be in the opposite corner. His 26-fight career contains 20 wins, five defeats and a draw.

The 34-year-old was stopped in the second round by Olympic gold medallist Audley Harrison in May 2003 and he has only fought four times since then.

But he fought as recently as last month and beat Derby’s Luke Simpkin on points.

“I’m really hacked off with everything that has happened so when I get in that ring I’m going to be an angry man throwing bombs,” promised Maccarinelli.

“But these things happen in boxing. It’s been a bad year but I can end it on a high by smashing up a good heavyweight and then look forward to fighting for the WBO world cruiserweight title next year.

“First I’ve got to deal with Ellis, and given the weight I’m going to be giving away it’s a dangerous fight.

“To be honest though I’d have fought King Kong if it meant stepping back between the ropes.

“I’ve been champing at the bit since the Haye fight, and Ellis is going to get it big style.”